I didn’t realize our used clothes were being sold to Central Americans at a price that could undermine Central America's traditional crafts. I’m glad that Guatemalan women continue to weave and embroider their own clothes, and that the men’s soccer team is proud to wear their handcrafted creations.
It would be interesting to learn more about Guatemala. What is the level of education? How old are most of the females when they marry? The males? How many children do they have? What does their education prepare them to do beyond farming? What percentage join gangs to make ends meet? What percentage have illegally moved to the U.S?
It is my understanding that Guatemalans drop out of school at a young age, marry in their early teens, and have many children. There is not enough land for everyone to farm so they end up fighting over land and other resources. Those who migrate to the U.S. may do so at the behest of gangs, or may fall into gangs when they find they cannot make a living based on their poor educational background.
I hope Guatemalan Mayans will find enough of a sense of pride through their handicrafts, their soccer team, and in other ways to demand a better educational system from their government. I also hope they will value both their crafts and formal education so their children will be prepared to make a living. If they had fewer children, and better prepared them for the future, then their country would be able to support itself.
It would be interesting to learn more about Guatemala. What is the level of education? How old are most of the females when they marry? The males? How many children do they have? What does their education prepare them to do beyond farming? What percentage join gangs to make ends meet? What percentage have illegally moved to the U.S?
It is my understanding that Guatemalans drop out of school at a young age, marry in their early teens, and have many children. There is not enough land for everyone to farm so they end up fighting over land and other resources. Those who migrate to the U.S. may do so at the behest of gangs, or may fall into gangs when they find they cannot make a living based on their poor educational background.
I hope Guatemalan Mayans will find enough of a sense of pride through their handicrafts, their soccer team, and in other ways to demand a better educational system from their government. I also hope they will value both their crafts and formal education so their children will be prepared to make a living. If they had fewer children, and better prepared them for the future, then their country would be able to support itself.
It's exciting and thrilling to see
The Mayan culture alive, free,
With our xenophobe POTUS
It's grand to take notice
Of a culture rich in History.
The Mayan culture alive, free,
With our xenophobe POTUS
It's grand to take notice
Of a culture rich in History.
The native traditions and culture of most Native American nations are disappearing fast. I am originally from Ecuador but no one in my family speaks Quechua and almost no one in my family appreciates or relates to our native ancestry. On the contrary, a large percent of my countrymen/countrywomen reject or ignore their Native American heritage.
I wish I had been taught Quechua and I wish I knew more about our native Andean traditions and culture. The only vestige of my native heritage I found is the music. I love Andean music because it makes me understand where I came from and who I am.
I wish I had been taught Quechua and I wish I knew more about our native Andean traditions and culture. The only vestige of my native heritage I found is the music. I love Andean music because it makes me understand where I came from and who I am.
2
Xejuyup was the jumping-off point for a geologic mapping project I participated in back in 1978. It was at the end of the road then, and I have many memories of trudging up footpaths into the steep and spectacular country to the north alongside the local women and men wearing their traditional outfits.
Forty years later, roads have been extended into the mountains from Xejuyup. Cheap imported used clothing, communications, and globalization have resulted in far fewer Mayan people wearing the old-style clothes.
Good to see the guys sporting their local pride and keeping the old crafts alive.
Forty years later, roads have been extended into the mountains from Xejuyup. Cheap imported used clothing, communications, and globalization have resulted in far fewer Mayan people wearing the old-style clothes.
Good to see the guys sporting their local pride and keeping the old crafts alive.
10
Wonderful to see this story! Sadly, in Guatemala the art of weaving is slowly being lost as younger women choose not to pursue this ancient craft. The patterns and fabrics are absolutely stunning in their color and design, and denote region and community as well as wider Mayan beliefs and worldview. It's such a joy to see that one community is preserving its traditions.
9
Excellent article! I only wish some of the photographs showed in more up-close detail the patterns in the shirts.
4
Lovely story. ¡Gracias!
There are no such people as "Mayans". They call themselves "Maya".
Unbelievable that the Times got this wrong. So disrespectful and ignorant.
Unbelievable that the Times got this wrong. So disrespectful and ignorant.
1
Thank you NYT! I appreciate finally reading a positive story about Guatemala. Guatemala definitely has a lot of issues related to crime, corruption and poverty...but there's also a world of good in its people. My father is from Guatemala and I've been fortunate to visit several times. I can't wait to bring my children there one day to see all splendor that is Guatemala, but also talk to them about their sometimes painful history and current problems. Thank you...from a fellow half Chapina
6
History of the Mayans is glorious
Of Spanish invaders notorious
This revival is grand
Obstacles out of hand
Their efforts highly meritorious.
Of Spanish invaders notorious
This revival is grand
Obstacles out of hand
Their efforts highly meritorious.
6
Great story! Would like to see the Times run more stories like this.
28
My appreciation for the respect shown for their own culture, the pride worn on the players' bodies and the skill of the women who weave these beautiful garments.
35
How about those wives who spend hours cooking the high nutrition meals and making just the right snacks so the men can gain or lose weight or heal from injuries or quickly recover from training?
The weaving picture was beautiful.